"What we are trying to establish is the origin of this brew. Investigations are under way and samples will be taken to ascertain where and how it was prepared," said police spokeswoman, Zipporah Mboroki.

The towns worst affected are close to the capital Nairobi and elsewhere in the centre and the east of the country. In some areas the alcohol was bought from licensed bars and in others it was sold on the street in the slums, officials said.

Deaths from toxic alcohol are relatively common in Kenya, with similar cases making the headlines every year.

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